Hakuho capitalized on a loss by fellow yokozuna Harumafuji by knocking over Tamawashi to zero in on his 38th career championship title at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday.
Harumafuji fell to his second defeat, at the hands of promotion-chasing sekiwake Takayasu, and Hakuho (13-0) took full advantage in the day's finale to keep his record unblemished and move two wins clear.
After a nervous start, Hakuho got himself into position and surged forward to crush out sekiwake Tamawashi (9-4). He can now secure his first Emperor's Cup in a year with a day to spare on Saturday.